John Steenhuisen rips into “convicted abuser” Mduduzi Manana

Steenhuisen isn't buying one word of Manana's apology, either.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – FEBRUARY 14: Democratic Alliance Chief Whip John Steenhuisen speaks during the 2017 State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate at the National Assembly on February 14, 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa. Political parties debated Jacob Zuma’s SONA which was marred by chaos, violence and insults. (Photo by Gallo Images / Beeld / Jaco Marais)

It’s been a while since an ANC member got the John Steenhuisen treatment, but Mduduzi Manana has found himself in the crosshairs.

The DA’s chief whip is known for his trademark barbs and pulled no punches when discussing the MP’s resignation from office on Tuesday. Manana’s decision to step down came after he faced two assault trials in the past 10 months.

He escaped jail time on three counts of assault by paying a R100 000 fine in 2017. Earlier this year, his domestic worker accused him of throwing her down the stairs and threatening to deport her. A conviction was not forthcoming in this instance, however.

John Steenhuisen isn’t buying Manana’s apology

In a letter published by his foundation, Manana stated that he would be donating R1.5 million to charity following the unpleasant chapters of his personal life.

But John Steenhuisen isn’t buying this as a show of remorse and questions the motives involved. Manana was due to face an ethics committee meeting on Wednesday and Steenhuisen believes that he’s “jumped before being pushed”.

“Manana’s resignation is little more than a temporary face-saving exercise and that the ANC will later bring him back into the fold after a period out of the public gaze. Indeed, Manana would not be the first ANC public representative to be brought back following the conviction of a crime.”

“He seems to have jumped before being pushed, resigning less than 24 hours before having to face the Ethics Committee. If Parliament cannot hold Manana, a convicted abuser, to account then it is up to his party, the ANC, to hold him accountable.”

Is Mduduzi Manana still part of the ANC?

The DA whip also scoffed at his charitable donations, calling them a front that serves to stop him from being held accountable for his actions.

With Women’s Month beginning in August, Steenhuisen feels the ANC should make a strong statement and discipline Manana. The former MP still has a position in the party’s National Executive Committee, as well as in various other internal structures.